4. Toni is shot when she is mistaken for Dylan (Beverly Hills 90210, Episode 6.10: One Wedding and a Funeral)
3. Keith is shot by his brother Dan (One Tree Hill, Episode 3.16: With Tired Eyes, Tired Minds, Tired Souls, We Slept)
The countdown ends tomorrow with the shocking loss of two main characters.
With a hand in both the entertainment industry and the non-profit sector (through her charity Take Action Hollywood), Maria Menounos is arguably one of the busiest and most successful guest-stars ever to be on a teen drama. Both before and after her recurring role on One Tree Hill as Jules, Menounos has been one of television’s most recognizable personalities.
TeenDramaWhore: One Tree Hill was your first recurring role on a television series. What made you want to stray from hosting?
Maria Menounos: I’m the type of person who enjoys wearing a lot of different hats – acting is another hat I enjoy wearing. At Emerson College, I studied both broadcast journalism and film.
TDW: What aspects of hosting prepared you for acting?
Menounos: There are so many aspects. The technical aspects of production – going through hair and make up, having call times, dealing with crew, etc. Also, in my case, it helped me learn more about directing but, more importantly, how to be comfortable on camera.
TDW: What attracted you to the role of Jules?
Menounos: I was really excited to work with the show creator, Mark Schwahn, who said he had an amazing role for me. I knew any role he would create would be a great one.
TDW: Were you familiar with the show before you joined?
Menounos: I had seen a few episodes but definitely enjoyed what I had seen.
TDW: Most people, plagued by the stereotypes of our society, would have a hard time believing someone like Keith (Craig Sheffer) could get a girl like Jules. That ended up being a significant part of the story. Did you agree with that premise?
Menounos: I most certainly agreed! Keith was sensitive and sweet and handsome in a rugged, real man sort of way. On a side note, Craig was also an amazing actor who had been directed by Robert Redford and co-starred with Brad Pitt amongst other greats. He was generous to work with and lent me acting tips that I implement to this day.
TDW: Did you know right from the beginning that Dan (Paul Johansson) was behind Jules and Keith’s relationship–or were you surprised, just like the viewers were?
Menounos: I knew.
TDW: We never found out where Jules went when she stood Keith up at the altar (Episode 2.16, Somehwere A Clock is Ticking). What do you think happened to her?
Menounos: She ran away, feeling bad for Keith as well as ashamed of herself and what she had done.
TDW: Was it your decision not to continue on the show, or was it dictated by the story?
Menounos: It was dictated by the story.
TDW: Did you keep up with the show after you left? Specifically, were you/are you aware of what happened to Keith?
Menounos: I’m so busy with my other shows that I wasn’t able to watch as much as I would like. However, I did find out about Keith.
TDW: Are you still in touch with any of the cast?
Menounos: I am but it’s the same as with most of my friends. It’s definitely hard to remain in touch with the schedule I keep. The news never takes a rest.
TDW: Are you ever recognized for your role on OTH, as opposed to for being a famous TV host?
Menounos: I continuously get recognized from my work on OTH. Fans are always approaching me!
TDW: After One Tree Hill, you did some voice-over work and more one-episode guest roles. Do you have any interest in returning to acting in a larger capacity?
Menounos: I just wrapped on a starring role opposite Christopher Lloyd and a few other names and talents in a comedy feature, “Serial Buddies” – the first serial killer buddy comedy of all time – lol. I really have to pick and choose roles carefully because I only have so much time each year to act. “Serial Buddies” was one of those super original scripts, kind of a “Napoleon Dynamite”/”Superbad” feel that I didn‘t want to miss out on.
TDW: You are one of an increasing number of celebrities interacting with fans on Twitter. What is one thing you like about it, and one thing you don’t?
Menounos: I like being able to communicate directly to fans, hear their opinions and receive their support. It’s fun and allows people to get to know “me” better.
TDW: Lastly, for those not familiar, tell me about your charity, Take Action Hollywood.
Menounos: We are an all-volunteer group that essentially utilizes the power of Hollywood to affect for positive social change. We take on a wide range of subjects and causes. I’m proud of what we have achieved for a small group that puts most, if not all, of its donations towards our programs and not administrative costs.
Come back next week for another exclusive interview!
Did you know many characters on our teen dramas have the same names?
Keep reading for tons of examples:
David: a main character on Beverly Hills 90210, and Jack’s boyfriend on Dawson’s Creek
Scott: a main character on Beverly Hills 90210 and a last name on One Tree Hill
Matt: a main character on Beverly Hills 90210, Joey’s mural-wrecker on Dawson’s Creek and Sandy’s partner on The O.C.
Zach: Carly’s son on Beverly Hills 90210 and Summer’s boyfriend on The O.C.
Nikki/Nicki: Brandon’s girlfriend on Beverly Hills 90210, Dawson’s classmate on Dawson’s Creek and Jake’s babymama on One Tree Hill
Samantha/Sam: Steve’s mom on Beverly Hills 90210 and Brooke’s “foster kid” on One Tree Hill
Abby: Valerie’s mom on Beverly Hills 90210, Jen’s friend on Dawson’s Creek and the witness to Keith’s murder on One Tree Hill
Emma: Brandon’s cheatee on Beverly Hills 90210 and Pacey & Jack’s roommate on Dawson’s Creek
Henry: Brandon’s boss on Beverly Hills 90210 and Jen’s boyfriend on Dawson’s Creek
Tracy: Brandon’s girlfriend on Beverly Hills 90210 and Naomi’s mom on 90210
Cliff: Donna’s suitor on Beverly Hills 90210 and Dawson’s classmate on Dawson’s Creek
Sophie: David’s girlfriend on Beverly Hills 90210 and Sandy’s mom on The O.C.
Lauren: Matt’s wife on Beverly Hills 90210 and Jamie’s teacher on One Tree Hill
Allison/Alison: Kelly’s fellow fire victim on Beverly Hills 90210 and Dan/Jenny’s mom on Gossip Girl
Elle: the transvestite on Beverly Hills 90210 and Chuck’s mystery woman on Gossip Girl
Jen: a main character on Dawson’s Creek and Naomi’s sister on 90210
Jack: a main character on Dawson’s Creek, Dylan’s dad on Beverly Hills 90210 and Chuck’s uncle on Gossip Girl
Oliver: Dawson’s film partner on Dawson’s Creek and Marissa’s friend/suitor on The O.C.
Alex: Pacey’s boss on Dawson’s Creek and Seth/Marissa’s girlfriend on The O.C.
Eddie: Joey’s boyfriend on Dawson’s Creek and Theresa’s boyfriend on The O.C.
Ty: Jen’s boyfriend on Dawson’s Creek and Adrianna’s babydaddy on 90210
Ryan: a main character on The O.C. and 90210, and Steve’s brother on Beverly Hills 90210
Taylor: a main character on The O.C. and Haley’s sister on One Tree Hill
Jimmy: a main character on The O.C. and Mouth/Lucas’ friend on One Tree Hill
Anna: Seth’s girlfriend on The O.C. and Lucas’ girlfriend on One Tree Hill
Carter: Kirsten’s business partner on The O.C. and everyone’s frenemy on Gossip Girl
Lindsay/Lindsey: Ryan’s girlfriend on The O.C. and Lucas’ girlfriend on The O.C.
Theresa: Ryan’s girlfriend on The O.C. and the gang’s classmate/friend on One Tree Hill
Lucas/Luke: a main chacter on One Tree Hill and Marissa’s boyfriend on The O.C.
Nathan/Nate: a main character on One Tree Hill and Gossip Girl
Haley/Hailey: a main character on One Tree Hill and Kirsten’s sister on The O.C.
Dan: a main character on One Tree Hill and Gossip Girl, and Andrea’s boyfriend on Beverly Hills 90210
Keith: a main character on One Tree Hill and Steve’s fraternity brother on Beverly Hills 90210
Karen: a main character on One Tree Hill and Pacey’s co-worker on Dawson’s Creek
Deb/Debbie: a main character on One Tree Hill and 90210
Rachel: a main character on One Tree Hill, Sandy’s colleague on The O.C. and Serena/Blair’s teacher on Gossip Girl
Cooper: Nathan’s uncle on One Tree Hill and a last name on The O.C.
Chuck: a main character on Gossip Girl and Jamie’s classmate on One Tree Hill
Jenny: a main character on Gossip Girl and Jake’s daughter on One Tree Hill
Lily: a main character on Gossip Girl, Dawson’s sister on Dawson’s Creek and Lucas’ sister on One Tree Hill
Ethan: a main character on 90210 and Jack’s boyfriend on Dawson’s Creek
Dixon: a main character on 90210 and Lucas’ director on One Tree Hill
Colin Fickes made teen drama history when he starred on One Tree Hill as Jimmy Edwards, a high school outcast turned school shooter. The storyline remains one of the most-loved by critics and fans alike, giving Colin one of his career highlights.
Colin was kind enough to provide an inside look at the making of “With Tired Eyes, Tired Minds, Tired Souls, We Slept,” the 16th episode of One Tree Hill’s third season.
TeenDramaWhore: Years before you started on One Tree Hill, you appeared on two episodes of Dawson’s Creek (Episode 2.3, Alternative Lifestyles and Episode 2.9, The Election). How did that come about?
Colin Fickes: First off, thank you for taking the time to interview me! I grew up in Raleigh, NC doing community theater and I’d audition for projects that came through NC. I had a wonderful agent in Raleigh who would submit young actors in the area for various TV and film projects. They were seeing people in LA and NC for the role of Kenny Reiling, and I was lucky enough to get to audition and subsequently land the part.
TDW: On One Tree Hill, you were introduced in the first few episodes and then were off-canvas until season three in 2006. What was your reaction when you found out a) they were bringing you back and b) what the storyline was?
Fickes: I was completely shocked when I found out that Mark Schwahn wanted to reintroduce the character of Jimmy Edwards. I remember getting called into his office on the Warner Brothers lot, having no clue what the meeting would entail. He pitched me his brilliant idea, and I immediately said yes. I knew that it would be a tough few weeks of preparation and filming, but I was up for the challenge. I enjoy playing interesting character roles, and where he wanted to go with Jimmy Edwards was exactly where I wanted to be.
TDW: Was it difficult filming such an emotional storyline and/or difficult to keep it all a secret?
Fickes: It was definitely a challenge to go to those dark places and stay true to the character. There are places inside of yourself you have to explore, and they aren’t necessarily pretty places. The fact that there are people who feel the way Jimmy must of felt made me strive to be as authentic and honest as possible. My hope was that if people could see themselves mirrored in the character, they would also see the hope and optimism in there too. That they could see they weren’t alone and that it would, or could, all be okay. The fact that I had pretty much locked myself away for those weeks leading up to filming, I really didn’t have time to worry about keeping the story line a secret. The twist didn’t really have anything to do with my character and his circumstances, so I didn’t really focus on that part.
TDW: Allison Scagliotti (Abby) told me that you guys didn’t know the ending until it was nearly time to shoot it. How did you react when you found out your character’s fate?
Fickes: I knew my characters fate from the get go. What we didn’t know was that Dan [Paul Johansson] would show up and shoot Keith [Craig Sheffer]. I think I was too busy learning lines and finding character to worry too much about the twist. It was pretty shocking though, yeah?
TDW: How does it feel to know your character was the key to so many critical storylines that followed and still occur?
Fickes: To know that Jimmy Edwards life wasn’t in vain and that he affected so many people, hopefully for the better, is a good thing. I think it’s indicative of real life. People can come into our lives and shape our courses, even if it is only for a brief amount of time
TDW: What kind of response did you get when the episode aired?
Fickes: The response has been incredibly heartfelt. When people take the time to write letters, or stop me on the street to tell me how that episode affected them, it truly moves me. It makes it seem all worth it. I think that’s why we make art. To connect and feel.
TDW: Are you still recognized for the role?
Fickes: I am.
TDW: Do you keep in touch with any of the cast?
Fickes: I don’t really. Not as much as I’d like to anyway. Had dinner with Hilarie [Burton, Peyton] and some mutual friends a year or so ago, and talk to Lee [Norris, Mouth] every now and then, but that’s about it.
TDW: What projects are you currently working on?
Fickes: At the moment I’m developing a screenplay and a short film with a friend of mine. Had an independent film called “The New Twenty” come out on DVD and VOD not too long ago. Trying to keep the dream alive.
For more on One Tree Hill’s school shooting storyline,
check out my interviews with Lee Norris and Allison Scagliotti.
Come back next Sunday for another exclusive interview!
Allison Scagliotti may have had a small part on One Tree Hill but as Abby Brown, the only witness to Dan murdering Keith, it was one of the series’ most pivotal. The storyline is frequently named among fans as one of the best, and Scagliotti shared with me what it was like working on it.
TeenDramaWhore: Your first episode of One Tree Hill (episode 3.16, With Tired Eyes, Tired Minds, Tired Souls, We Slept–the school shooting) is considered by fans to be among the very best. When you auditioned for the role of Abby, and saw the script, what did you think? Did you know the impact the episode would have?
Allison Scagliotti: First off, I’m so glad the episode garnered the response that it did. I had no doubt, given the subject matter, that it might resonate with a lot of people, so I think I speak for all involved when I say we tried to handle it respectfully. The audition process was kind of a top-secret affair. I read sides for a character named Michelle in a scene with another character who was not Jimmy Edwards [Colin Fickes]. After I was cast, the script that production released didn’t have the last page attached! They kept the end of the episode under wraps until the very last second. I was extremely moved by what I read, mostly because the Jimmy character was someone that could be very real. Who knows how many Jimmys there have been and still are in schools everywhere? The tragedy of what becomes of him is enough to wake people up, I think.
TDW: Did you know at the time that Abby would return and be the key person in the Dan-Keith [Paul Johansson-Craig Sheffer] murder storyline? What was your reaction when you found out?
Scagliotti: I had no idea! Almost a full year went by before I got the call, but I was so pumped to go back. I also loved the idea that this meek, shy character could have been the missing link to the town’s morbid mystery. It was exciting to be part of providing some closure to fans for that major chapter of Tree Hill history.
TDW: Dan was anonymously taunted in several episodes, presumably by Abby. Do you think that actually happened or was it just a figment of his imagination?
Scagliotti: Oh, I like to think that little Abby was the one sneaking around to torment Dan. Perhaps her motive was to guilt him into coming clean so she wouldn’t have to carry the burden of what she saw any longer. Or maybe she just wanted to haunt him the way she had been haunted. A little payback.
TDW: Was it difficult filming such an emotional storyline and/or difficult to keep it all a secret?
Scagliotti: Emotionality in a scene is usually pretty tough, but the episode The Runaway Found was extra difficult. Having to sustain that pervading misery that plagued Abby was not something I’d say was particularly fun at the time, but I can look back and said I enjoyed the process and working with the OTH team. Keeping it a secret was easy! Abby seemed to be one of those under-the-radar characters, so I had no problem with fans asking for spoilers. It was an Abby Brown sneak attack! Funny story: one day, while filming in Abby’s house, a whole gaggle of fans was perched on the sidewalk across the street, and shouted my name as I arrived from base camp. It was so bizarre! I never would have expected to be recognized from just one episode, but these kids were superfans. They’d driven down from New England just to hang around set. It was adorable.
TDW: Do you think Abby has a future in Tree Hill?
Scagliotti: If I’ve learned anything, it’s to never say never. The last time we saw Abby, she’d run away from Tree Hill. She could be anywhere! I guess it’s up to [creator] Mark Schwahn what becomes of Abby Brown. Are you reading, Mark?
TDW: Are you still recognized for the role?
Scagliotti: Yes! It totally takes me off guard when people recognize me from One Tree Hill, partially because I was only in 3 episodes. I’m always flattered, though. I can only assume that the Abby storyline was memorable, and that’s all that matters to me.
TDW: Are you still in touch with any of the cast?
Scagliotti: For a while, I stayed in touch with Paul Johansson (ironic, I know) and Hilarie Burton [Peyton]. Everyone on the show was delightful to me, but I clicked with those two the most. Paul was a dream to work with. We were very vocal about what we needed from each other before a scene, and as terrifying as he can be on screen, he was an absolute teddy bear in real life. I was walking around downtown Wilmington one evening, when I heard my name called from across the street. It was Paul, and we decided to hang out at a local restaurant for a while. We wound up out until 2 am. He’s the coolest. Hilarie was a sweetheart, too; we bonded over our favorite book, Lolita, and love of music. Typing this out makes me miss those guys!
TDW: You’re currently starring in Warehouse 13. For those that aren’t familiar with it, what is the show about and what role do you play?
Scagliotti: Warehouse 13 is a Syfy show about a top-secret government facility that houses unexplained, supernatural artifacts from around the globe that pose a threat to national security. At the center of the fold you have two Secret Service agents charged with tracking down and obtaining the artifacts, and then you have Artie, the warehouse curator and expert. I play Claudia Donovan, a hip young techno-wiz who hacks her way into the warehouse to kidnap Artie, whom she believes is responsible for her brother’s disappearance. The show is action-packed and very funny, and the intrigue builds every week. I got to mess with the coolest gadgets.
TDW: Are you working on any other projects?
Scagliotti: [I just went to] Comic Con in San Diego to promote W13, and after that I’ll be working on a play here in LA with my friends Alden Ehrenreich and Jesse Allis. Other than that, fingers crossed for season two!!
You can see Scagliotti on Warehouse 13, currently airing Tuesdays at 9pm on the SyFy network.
Come back next Sunday for another exclusive interview!
If you just started watching One Tree Hill in season 5, you might’ve been a bit confused by the exchange between Dan and Deb in last week’s episode.
For the first time since Dan was released from prison, he and Deb confronted each other about their respective roles in Keith’s death. To help this scene make sense to new viewers, watch the clips below.
Destruction of a Man (ignore the last few slides)
Now rewatch that part of last week’s episode, and things should be clearer, especially since we’ll see this come up again this week.
TeenDramaWhore 